Lubbock Rangers brings summertime football to West Texas

Published: Saturday, July 12, 2003

MYRNA WHITEHEADAvalanche-Journal

Some play for love of the game. Others, for the excitement and challenge. For the 43 players who don helmets and pads to compete in the fledgling season of the North American Football League, it is the opportunity of a lifetime.

The Lubbock Rangers Football Team is off to a fast start, 3-0, and they sit in first place in the Red Rocks Division of the Midwestern Region. The team began its inaugural season June 4, and they will play through the end of the regular season September 20.

According to Art Tarango, defensive head coach for the Lubbock Rangers, the team has surpassed the goals of any first-year team. Tarango played high school football at Anton High and collegiate football at Midwestern State.

"The team is doing quite well, and it belongs to the community," Tarango said. "A lot of people don't know about us, but we're here and giving players a chance to continue to play for the love of the game."

The NAFL is an adult amateur minor league football system that began in 1996 and was incorporated in 1999. Although based in New York, the league has regional offices throughout the country. The NAFL has more than 100 teams in 24 divisions. Players can build skills and talents on a forum outside the college and professional ranks.

"Most of our players have played high school and college football," Tarango said. "Some of our players have played in the National Football League.

The Lubbock Rangers is owned by Sam Lopez who also serves as the general manager of the team. Michael Adkins serves as offensive head coach. Sammy Canales is the offensive coordinator. Kevin Dean is the line coach. Chris Leisinger is the head trainer. Toby Canales is the assistant trainer.

Presently the team has three sponsors, Shamrock Chevrolet, Graphic Body & Paint and the Paint Doctors. Sponsors are still needed to help defray travel costs and purchase equipment for the team.

The Lubbock Rangers will play the Dallas Diesel August 2 at Frenship. Dallas Diesel is the practice squad of the Dallas Cowboys, Tarango said.

The Lubbock Rangers feature several area players including former Frenship High player Carl Beeurman, linebacker; Luis Arenas, linebacker, former player at Estacado High; Brandon Taylor, defensive back, former player at Levelland High; Jason Caffey, wide receiver, former player at Angelo State; Dondale Turner, tailback, former player at Estacado High; and Charmayne Johnson, receiver, former player at Lubbock High. Johnson was All District, All City, All South Plains and All State during his high school career.

"If you're interested in playing, and you're willing to work, there's a chance for you to play with us," Tarango said.

The current roster of the Lubbock Rangers has 43 players. The team can carry up to 55 players. To play with the team, an individual must be at least 18 years of age, sign a waiver of liability, pay a $150 entry fee and tryout with the team. The player will be evaluated by the coaches and players for a spot on the roster. The team has seven regular-season games remaining.

The championship game will be played in Orlando, Fla. An all-star game will follow at a site to be named later.

The Lubbock Rangers host practices from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays on the practice field at Monterey High School. The team plays on Saturday evenings at 7 p.m at Frenship Junior High. Admission to the game costs $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12.

On Saturday, the Lubbock Rangers (3-0) will take on the Texas Stampede (0-2) at 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend.